It has been called China's Romeo and Juliet, and now the National Ballet Company of China will perform the classic love story in Melbourne for the first time.
More than 120 performers took to the stage amid exquisite costumes and sets when "The Peony Pavilion" opened at the State Theatre on Thursday night.
The ballet is a romantic tale dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
The colourful show is directed by Li Liuyi and features costumes by Emi Wada and original music by Guo Wenjing.
The Arts Centre's programming director, Rob Gebert, says the performance is a coup for Melbourne.
"Certainly, it's something we worked really hard over the last two years to secure and we believe these world class events are really important," Mr Gebert said.
He says it is a sign of the centre's strong relationship with China.
"The Peony Pavilion" will run from March 15 to 18.
